Jun
06

How to Greet a Dog

Posted by Saint Lover

This was posted on facebook last night.  I’ve seen it before but I cant figure out where on earth it came from to give credit.  The website listed at the bottom of the image sadly is defunct.  I’d love to give the artist a huge shout out – this graphic is BRILLIANT.  I cant tell you how many people approach my dogs screaming and yelling (#5) and put their hands straight on top of their heads (#2) even after I tell them not to.  Neither of them like it and will move their heads to avoid it at all costs (even from me).  Its amazing to me how many ADULTS do not know how to approach a strange new dog either.  Shockingly, the worst offenders are usually the ones that HAVE dogs of their own.

As adults its our job to protect our children (and our dogs) and teach them to avoid compromising positions.  Kinda hard when the adults have no clue either.  They can be downright rude about it too. I’ve actually been told by a nasty parent, “do not correct my child, Im the parent and have things under control”.  Wow!  Seriously, you don’t or I wouldn’t have had to correct your child… Please don’t touch MY dog… Well, why would I expect anything different when they are complete personal space abusers and have such a profound sense of entitlement.

I’m sure Im not alone in this.  What sort of “interactions” have you had with your dog(s) and John Q. Public?

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  1. Liz SedaNo Gravatar

    I honestly don’t think anyone really knows this. It’s either irrational fear, or irrational excitement. They should teach this concept in schools. Then maybe there will be less people who are ignorant about dogs.

  2. Alfie |Alfie's BlogNo Gravatar

    Rooo this is such a great picture! *waggy tail*

  3. GabriellaNo Gravatar

    I face the same problems when people see my dog! No respect at all!! Even if I ask to follow my instructions. No way with some kind of people…

  4. MangoNo Gravatar

    I’ve seen that before. It is wonderful. I wish I could hand it out to everybody who meets my dogs. People loom over Dexter in a way that makes him nervous and they will try to hug Mango. Ish.

    Mango Momma

  5. E. BowdenNo Gravatar

    That is a great graphic, and it’s true, not too many people know how to interact properly with a dog for the first time. It’s good that this is out there, and I hope it is seen by the people that most need to see it!

  6. GryphonNo Gravatar

    Great article and couldn\’t agree more with you. Although approaching a dog seems like a common sense procedure for those of us who love dogs, so many people have not idea. Also, as you said, when you try to bring it to their attention, the range of responses could fill a book. It\’s very important though. Beyond the safety issue, when a child first approaches a dog, we want that to be a fantastic, memorable experience so teaching them the best way to do so is very important.

  7. Shirley ThalerNo Gravatar

    Thanks for sharing this. I have been teaching my niece how to properly greet strange dogs. She knows to always ask the dog’s owner before approaching. These pictures will help me teach her what to do as she approaches the dog.

  8. Gina@doggie blingNo Gravatar

    Very good tips on how to approach a dog. Many people have no idea how to approach a new dog. The illustration does a great job showing the correct way.

  9. sheilaNo Gravatar

    This is such a great post, whenever I come across children in the park – I always show them the right way..whether it sinks in or not – I don’t know, yet if enough people show them rather than getting upset with them, it will sink in.

  10. Bill BurnieceNo Gravatar

    Excellent post and a very good topic. I’ve seen so many people (mostly kids) half-hazardly approach an dog unfamiliar with them and it sometimes goes very wrong. :sad: Thank you for the cool illustration.

    Sincerely – Bill Burniece

  11. JanineNo Gravatar

    Nice one men.

  12. Dianne SarasinNo Gravatar

    Thanks so much for sharing this. People NEED to know!

    Regards,
    Dianne.
    http://www.facebook.com/abbyone2

  13. ReneNo Gravatar

    Hello,

    fyi…..The artist of this is Lili Chin. :)

  14. Singing DogsNo Gravatar

    I really like the pictures and comics! More people definitely need to know how to approach dogs properly. I find it varies on the dogs though.
    Singing Dogs recently posted..Suggest Holiday Songs for The Singing Dogs!

  15. HannahNo Gravatar

    What is the best way to greet my own dog when I get home?

  16. Fred RodriguezNo Gravatar

    If only dogs could talk, dogs could easily tell us these. This info-graphic is hilarious. I wonder if the same person could also do something on how to use properly dog collars and leashes, and inject some humor in the drawing. This way, we will be informed at the same time have a good laugh. You won’t find these info-graphics in puppy and dog supply stores but only in creative minds like the person who did the above.

  17. KD MathewsNo Gravatar

    Wow, I LOVE the graphic! It’s so frustrating so see how many people actually spread MIS-information on this very subject. I was recently at a dog trial and saw more “experienced dog owners” than I care to count, allowing children to run up to their dogs in very inappropriate and potentially hazardous ways. There is nothing wrong with taking the opportunity to educate a child on the proper way to approach a dog. If your dog is very kid friendly, even better, because that’s a great learning opportunity to potentially prevent that child from something traumatic happening if they run up to a dog with less than ideal kid tolerance. Again, GREAT POST!

  18. Judy WorkmanNo Gravatar

    I didn’t know there were so many no nos’ about how to greet a dog. I don’t think a lot of other people probably know this either. This blog has great information. By the way, while I am here I would like to tell you about a site i just saw that has cute pillowcases for pet lovers. These designer pillowcases are unique and new to the market. This would be a great gift for someone. If anybody is interested here is the link: http://Amazon.com/shops/DogSnorZ

  19. Eric Tomasello - Dog WalkerNo Gravatar

    I wish more parents would teach this to their children. I am always cause when a child approaches and I am never afraid to tell them how to approach the dog. When people approach my dog the correct way he is a much happier dog.

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